Yr Hen Swyddfa

Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Converted stables in the wooded foothills of Snowdonia.

Yr Hen Swyddfa is one in a row of cottages in the old stable block of Craflwyn Hall, at the heart of a 200-acre estate in the care of the National Trust. The stable block backs onto woodland, and there are lots of walks from the cottage’s back door.

The cosy cottage for four people is on two levels, with light, fresh walls, quarry-tiled floors and a huge slate fireplace. The living room, dining room and kitchen are on the ground floor, with a steep staircase leading up to two en-suite bedrooms, one double and one twin, on the first floor.

As well as shared benches at the front of the cottage, you’ll have a map to lead you to a couple of seating areas close by. The first is just a couple of minutes away, with a view of the valley. The second is a few minutes further on; look out for the carved dragon seat in what is now a conservation garden.

Beddgelert village is less than a mile away, and another short walk leads to Dinas Emrys. This hill is famous as the site of a legendary battle between two dragons, one white and one red, perhaps the best known of the myths that abound in this area. There are many trails to follow in Craflwyn and Beddgelert, passing waterfalls, lakes, wild heath and wooded valleys, and a path leading to Snowdon’s summit from the next village, Nant Gwynant.